DOTX to DOCX Converter

Word Open XML Template (DOTX) is the modern template format for Microsoft Word, introduced alongside DOCX in Word 2007. Like DOCX it is a ZIP package of Office Open XML parts, and it stores styles, layouts, fonts, and standard text that new documents inherit. Crucially, DOTX cannot contain macros — that is what separates it from DOTM — which makes it the safer template format to circulate.

How to open a DOTX file?

Double-click the file and Word opens a new untitled document built from the template. To change the template itself, launch Word and open the DOTX through File → Open.

LibreOffice Writer opens DOTX as well, and Google Docs can import one, though some styling may not survive. Placing a DOTX in Word’s Custom Office Templates folder makes it appear on the New screen alongside Microsoft’s built-in designs. You can also convert the file with our DOTX to PDF tool.

Developed by: Microsoft

Initial Release: 2007

Word Open XML Document (DOCX) is the default format of Microsoft Word since the 2007 release and the most common word-processing format in the world. Despite appearances, a DOCX is not a single document but a ZIP package holding Office Open XML files, images, and styles. That structure makes DOCX smaller than the old DOC format, far more resistant to corruption, and readable by software that has never seen Word.

How to open a DOCX file?

Microsoft Word opens DOCX natively on Windows, macOS, the web, and mobile. Word for the web handles most documents in a browser.

LibreOffice Writer, Google Docs, and Apple Pages all read and edit DOCX, though very complex layouts can shift slightly. When the formatting must stay exactly as the author intended, convert the file with our DOCX to PDF tool before sharing it.

Developed by: Microsoft

Standard: ECMA-376 / ISO/IEC 29500

Initial Release: 2007